New Delhi: India and Thailand are working to strengthen their defence partnership, with a fresh focus on joint air force exercises, military training and operational cooperation. On October 20, 2026, India’s Ambassador to Thailand, Puneet Agrawal, met Royal Thai Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Sakesan Kantha to discuss ways to improve cooperation between the two countries’ air forces.
The discussions reflect both countries’ efforts to build stronger military ties and improve their ability to work together on shared security challenges.
India-Thailand Military Cooperation: Focus On Air Force Cooperation
The meeting took place in Thailand on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The two sides discussed expanding cooperation between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).
Read also: India and Thailand Eye Stronger Defence Industry Links, Research Collaboration and Maritime Security
The main areas of discussion included bilateral air exercises, joint operations and training programmes. These activities can help both air forces improve coordination, share experience and develop a better understanding of each other’s military procedures. The discussions are part of the wider effort by India and Thailand to strengthen their defence relationship.
Joint Air Exercises To Improve Military Coordination
Joint air force exercises are an important part of defence cooperation between countries. They allow pilots and military personnel to practise working together and learn from each other’s operational experience.
For India and Thailand, greater cooperation between their air forces could create more opportunities for joint training and professional exchanges.
Such activities can also improve communication, coordination and the ability to respond to common security challenges. However, the October 20 meeting report did not announce a new exercise date, aircraft deployment or a specific joint operation.
India And Thailand Expand Their Wider Defence Partnership
Cooperation between India and Thailand extends beyond their air forces. Both countries have also been working to strengthen military ties through naval engagement, army exercises and defence discussions.
In September 2026, the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy held their 14th edition of Staff Talks in New Delhi. The discussions focused on training, capacity building and identifying new areas for cooperation.
These meetings provide a platform for both navies to discuss their requirements and explore opportunities for closer engagement.
In July 2026, Indian Navy ships INS Udaygiri, INS Shakti and INS Kavaratti also took part in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Royal Thai Navy’s HTMS Chao Phraya after an Indian naval visit to Thailand. The exercise supported cooperation between the two navies and highlighted their shared interest in maritime security and regional stability.
India-Thailand Army Exercise MAITREE Also Strengthens Ties
The two countries have also continued their military cooperation through joint army training.
In August 2026, Indian Army personnel participated in the 15th edition of the India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE in Thailand. The exercise was scheduled from August 18 to August 31.
The training focused on joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in jungle and semi-urban environments. It also included field exercises, discussions, demonstrations and the exchange of operational experience.
The exercise provides an opportunity for Indian and Thai soldiers to learn from each other and improve their ability to conduct coordinated operations. Together, army training, naval exercises and air force engagement demonstrate the broad range of military cooperation between the two countries.
India And Thailand Strengthen Their Strategic Partnership
India and Thailand upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership in April 2025 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Thailand.
The partnership covers several areas, including defence and security, trade, connectivity, technology, education and cultural exchanges.
Defence cooperation is particularly important because the two countries share interests in peace, stability and security in the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Thailand is also an important partner for India’s Act East Policy, which aims to strengthen India’s engagement with Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
For Thailand, closer engagement with India provides further opportunities for military training, defence exchanges and regional cooperation.
Read also: Will Thailand Buy India’s BrahMos Missile? Here’s Everything You Need To Know
FAQs
India’s Ambassador to Thailand, Puneet Agrawal, met Royal Thai Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Sakesan Kantha on October 20, 2026, to discuss stronger cooperation between the two countries’ air forces.
India and Thailand are strengthening their defence ties to improve military cooperation, expand joint training, share operational experience and support peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The main areas include air force exercises, joint military training, army exercises such as MAITREE, naval engagement, staff talks and broader defence and security cooperation.
